Do Diligence

About Do Diligence

Welcome to The Do Diligence Podcast where we explore how leaders make and execute their biggest decision. The Podcast is produced by Sleeping Giant Capital, where we bring together talent, capital, and capabilities to acquire and grow West Michigan businesses. Hosted by SGC’s Co-founders and Executives in Residence, this podcast offers expert opinions and M&A theories through the eyes of professionals within industry. To learn more, visit us at www.sleepinggiantcapital.com

Publisher

Sleeping Giant Capital

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Jan 2023

Latest episode

29 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

23 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Episode 23: Brad Morrill and the acquisition of Richfield Trailer Supply

   In this episode of The Do Diligence Podcast, we sit down with Brad, President of Richfield Trailer Supply, to explore his journey from corporate leadership to business ownership. After more than a decade in an executive role at Crystal Flash, Brad decided he wanted to pursue his long-standing entrepreneurial ambition rather than return to another corporate position. He shares how he discovered the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition model, developed the confidence to pursue it, and ultimately committed to a 19-month search that culminated in the acquisition of Richfield Trailer Supply. Brad walks through the realities of the acquisition search, including his decision to use both a buy-side broker and his own networking and outreach efforts. He reviewed roughly 85 potential businesses, conducted deeper diligence on about 15, submitted five offers, and ultimately found Richfield after narrowing his focus to the trailer industry. He explains how becoming more specialized allowed him to develop industry knowledge, ask better questions, identify patterns in financials, and recognize opportunities. Richfield, a 70-year-old family business with three Michigan locations, fit his criteria as an established distribution business with a strong reputation and a history of profitability. The conversation then moves into due diligence, closing, and Brad’s first 60 days as an owner. He discusses the six-month diligence process, the operational and financial work involved, transitioning employees and systems following an asset purchase, and the importance of getting critical details such as payroll right from day one. Brad also shares his initial priorities for the business—the “Big Four, Little Two”—which include completing the ownership transition, improving pricing, reducing expenses, upgrading technology, reducing excess inventory, and cleaning up and decluttering the facilities. His experience offers practical lessons for aspiring acquisition entrepreneurs about patience, preparation, networking, industry focus, leadership, and finding opportunities within an established business.

2. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Episode 22: The CEO-in-Residence Playbook: Mitch Brownell’s Path to Ownership and Leadership

   In this episode of The Do Diligence Podcast, we sit down with Mitch Brownell, President of Process Engineering & Equipment Company (PECO), to explore his journey from a successful corporate leadership career at Stryker to acquiring and leading a lower middle market manufacturing business through Sleeping Giant Capital's CEO-in-Residence program. Mitch shares what motivated him to leave the security of corporate America in pursuit of business ownership, reflecting on the planning, mindset, and conviction required to take that leap. He discusses how he developed a focused acquisition thesis, navigated an 18-month search process, and ultimately found PECO through the relationships he built along the way. The conversation dives into the realities of the transition from searcher to operator, including lessons from the first 90 days as president, balancing strategy with the day-to-day demands of a growing business, and building trust with employees, customers, and the former owner. Mitch also shares practical advice for aspiring acquisition entrepreneurs on the importance of patience, networking, leadership, and finding work that truly energizes you.

3. 

   2 Apr 2026

   Episode 21: From Corporate to Co-CEOs Inside the Journey of Ben and Rick

   In this episode of The Due Diligence Podcast, we sit down with Ben and Rick, the first co-CEOs at Sleeping Giant Capital, as they share their journey from corporate careers into leading two manufacturing businesses, Portland Products and Pro Stamp. With backgrounds in mechanical engineering and early entrepreneurial ventures, Ben and Rick walk through how they transitioned into acquisition entrepreneurship through the CEO-in-Residence program and what it actually looked like to move from diligence into day-to-day leadership. They reflect on the realities of stepping into ownership, from navigating the complexities of the acquisition process to adjusting expectations once inside the business. The conversation explores what life looks like as co-CEOs, balancing long-term strategy with the immediate demands of running manufacturing operations. They also share candid lessons from their experience, including the nuances of sales cycles in the industry, unexpected external pressures like tariffs, and the importance of building and trusting the right team.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

55

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Do Diligence

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.